7 monuments found
Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya is the place where Prince Gautama transformed into Buddha (the enlightened one) after attaining enlightenment (Bodhi). Buddhists consider it as the navel of the Earth and the tree is among the top four places of Buddhist pilgrimage. According to the legends, the present day tree is the descendent of the original tree under which Buddha meditated. Also known by the name Sri Maha Bodhi, the tree belongs to the family of figs and is known for its unusual heart-shaped leaves. It is believed that Buddha meditated for one full week sitting under the tree and stood in front of the tree for the next one week. He spent many more days in walking meditation near the tree. A four-sided wall protects the tree which stands towards the west of the Mahabodhi Temple. The peace at the site is simply unmatchable. Warnings: Learn and follow the Buddhist rituals at the temple complex.
Also dubbed as Vulture’s Peak, Gridhakuta is a hill located at Rajgir in Bihar. Famed as the birthplace of Lord Buddha’s two important sutras - the Lotus Sutra and the Prajnaparamita, this is the hill where Buddha advocated numerous motivational preachings to his followers. Known as the place of historical importance, this is the spot where Lord Buddha spent three months meditating even during the rainy season. One of the most interesting spots on the hilltop is a huge Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), built by the Buddha Sangha of Japan. Created in the honour of Lord Buddha, the stupa houses eye-catching statues of Lord Buddha. Tourist can either climb the hill through stony paths or can avail the Aerial Chairlift ride that takes approximately 7 minutes to reach the hill. Some of the other interesting nearby locations are Kundalpur, Nalanda, Pawapuri and Bodhgaya
The Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya, where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment is one of the most scared pilgrim centres for Buddhists. The holy Bodhi tree and the monastery, the BodhimandaVihara are both near the temple. A UNESCO World heritage site, this temple complex is built in Dravidian architectural style against the Nagara style of temples. The Mahabodhi Temple, houses a towering black stone image of the Buddha in the Bhumisparsha Mudra (ground-touching posture). The 1 st century stone railing, stupas and the structures commemorate and celebrate the events of those seven weeks that Buddha spent here before his enlightenment. Monks and devotees perform prostrations around the Mahabodhi tree, which is considered as a purification ritual. The Vault of Mahabodhi Temple is being gold coated using 290 kg.of gold by the Government of Thailand.
A captivating landmark in the city of Patna, Golghar (Round House) is a spherical-shaped monument that lies to the west of the Gandhi Maidan. Known as one of the most spectacular architectural wonders of India, Golghar was built by the British army in 1786 to function as a storehouse during famines. Alluring tourists with the panoramic view of the city and River Ganges from its top, Golghar has a dual spiral stairway, with 145 steps on each side. Golghar was believed to be the tallest buildings in Patna at the time of its construction. The Bihar State Tourism Department Corporation has introduced a state-of-the-art laser show at Golghar compound from January 14, 2013. The Laser show is held at 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The fee for this show is INR 30. Other than Golghar, visitors can also enjoy exploring nearby attractions like the fort of Ajatashatru, Swarana Gufa (Cave of Gold), Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak), Gandhi Museum and Science Center.
The Archaeological Survey of India maintains Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum where one can find relics and antiques that are hundreds of years old. The museum has galleries, courtyards and verandas where the sculptures and plaques have been put on display. Images made of gold, silver, bronze and stones and dedicated to the Buddhist and Hindu deities are among the prime attractions. Sunga Period’s railings and pillars and Pala Period’s paintings can also be explored here. Other interesting items include terracotta seals, scriptures, coping stones and cross bars that were obtained from various excavations sites at Bodhgaya. A gigantic statue of Lord Buddha greets the visitors to the museum which is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Other attractions around the museum include Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree and a number of Buddhist monasteries and stupas. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Warnings: Photography is strictly prohibited at themuseum. Don’t touch the exhibits. /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-qformat:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
Kumrahar excavations have unearthed the remnants of the ancient city of Pataliputra under the reign of the Mauryan period. It is located 5 km. to the east from Patna Railway Station on Kankarbagh Road. The relics excavated belong to a series of four continuous periods of rule of the celebrated rulers of Ajatasatru, Chandragupta and Ashoka from 600 BC. to 600 AD. Some of the findings during the excavations include the ‘Eighty Pillared Hall’, which include bits of 80 pillars made of black sandstone monoliths. Some opine that this hall was the venue of the Third Buddhist Council in 250 BCE, in Patliputra, during the rule of Emperor Asoka. Kumrahar excavations also included the foundation of the Buddhist monastery, Anand Bihar, wooden beams and clay figurines among others. Another interesting discovery had been that of Arogya Vihar, headed by Dhanvantari, considered as the father of Ayurveda and Durakhi Devi Temple stone figures dating back to the 1st century. The Kumrahar Excavations are displayed in the form of photographs and other articles for the benefit of the tourists who wish to take a peek to the golden past of India.
A peaceful spot with immense historical and religious significance, Pippala Cave is located on Vaibhava Hill near Rajgir. Carved out of a rectangular stones by the forces of nature over the course of thousands of years, the cave is popularly called Jarasandh ki Baithak. Jarasandh was a local king during the times of Lord Krishna and would visit the cave for spiritual healing and meditation. The cave gained importance when Lord Buddha stayed at Rajgir for nearly 12 years and visited the cave for the purpose of meditation. This important fact attracts hundreds of devotees from all over the country to the cave which has been repeatedly used by the hermits and sages for meditation. Located below the cave are the hot water springs known for their medicinal power. Spending few hours at the cave can calm your mental turmoil.
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